The Ultimate Travel Experience Guide for First-Timers & Explorers
Bali isn’t just a travel destination it’s a complete sensory journey.
From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by tropical air, incense from temples, distant waves hitting the shore, and lush greenery everywhere you look. Whether you’re visiting for adventure, relaxation, culture, or photography, this island offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
This guide covers the best things to do in Bali Indonesia, including the most loved things to do in Ubud Bali, helping you build a trip that’s exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.
🌊 Ocean & Island Adventures
(For people who love beaches, the sea, and thrill)
1. Island Hopping to Nusa Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan
These islands are located just outside Bali and offer scenery that feels unreal.
What this place is:
Nusa Penida and its surrounding islands are known for dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and raw natural landscapes. Compared to mainland Bali, these islands feel less crowded and more “wild”, making them perfect for adventure seekers.
What you can do here:
- Visit iconic spots like Kelingking Beach & Angel’s Billabong
- Snorkel in crystal-clear water
- Explore hidden beaches and ocean caves
How fun is it?
This experience is extremely fun if you love raw nature and outdoor adventure. Every corner feels cinematic, like you’re walking inside a travel documentary. It’s one of the most visually powerful and exciting top things to do in Bali.
2. Swimming with Manta Rays
Location: Nusa Penida
This is one of Bali’s most surreal underwater experiences.
What this place is:
Certain parts of Nusa Penida are natural “cleaning stations” where giant manta rays gather. Small fish clean their skin, and snorkelers or divers can observe this beautiful natural process.
What you can do:
- Snorkel with giant manta rays
- Take underwater photos
- Combine it with island tours
How fun is it?
It’s both thrilling and peaceful. Your heart will race when you first see them, but then you’ll feel completely calm watching them move. This is truly a bucket-list level experience and one of the best things to do in Bali Indonesia.
3. Wreck Diving in Tulamben
Location: East Bali
What this place is:
Tulamben is home to the USAT Liberty Shipwreck, a huge American cargo ship that was torpedoed during World War II. Over the years, the ship has become a living coral reef.
What you can do:
- Dive inside and around the shipwreck
- Witness unique marine life
- Experience beginner-friendly wreck diving
How fun is it?
It feels like exploring a sunken city underwater. Very exciting, mysterious and educational at the same time.
🌿 Nature & Landscapes
(For people who love greenery, views and fresh air)
4. Walking Through Bali’s Rice Terraces
Locations: Tegallalang & Jatiluwih
What this place is:
These are massive stepped rice fields carved into hillsides by Balinese farmers using ancient irrigation systems called “Subak”. They are part of the island’s cultural and agricultural life.
What you can do:
- Walk through the fields
- Try swings over the valleys
- Relax at cafes overlooking the terraces
- Take drone/aesthetic photos
How fun is it?
It’s peaceful, calming and visually beautiful. Walking here makes you slow down and truly appreciate nature. It’s not about adrenaline it’s about soaking in Bali’s natural beauty.
5. Swimming Under Bali’s Waterfalls
Locations: Tegenungan, Sekumpul, Tibumana
What these places are:
Each waterfall is located after short jungle treks or stair walks. They are surrounded by thick trees, rocks, and birds singing around you.
What you can do:
- Swim in natural pools
- Trek through jungle paths
- Take refreshing dips after long days
How fun is it?
Very refreshing and adventurous. It feels like discovering hidden parts of the island, away from the city and crowds.
6. Sunrise Trek at Mount Batur
Location: Kintamani
What this place is:
Mount Batur is an active volcano that stands above a large lake and surrounding mountains.
What you can do:
- Hike up before dawn
- Watch the sun rise above the clouds
- Have breakfast on top of a volcano
How fun is it?
It’s physically tiring, but mentally rewarding. Standing above the clouds while watching sunrise is a powerful experience.
🛕 Cultural & Spiritual Experiences
(The heart and soul of Bali)
7. Explore Bali’s Ancient Temples
Must-visit: Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Tirta Empul, Besakih
What these places are:
These are sacred Hindu temples used by local Balinese for daily prayers and ceremonies. Each temple has its own history, design, and spiritual importance.
What you can do:
- Watch sunset at Uluwatu cliff temple
- Participate in holy water rituals at Tirta Empul
- Walk through ancient temple grounds
How fun is it?
Deeply peaceful and culturally rich. You come out with more understanding of Balinese life.
8. Watch Traditional Balinese Dance Shows
Locations: Ubud Palace, Uluwatu Temple
What this experience is:
These dances are a mix of storytelling, religion, music and art. The performers wear beautiful costumes and use facial expressions and hand movements to tell ancient stories.
How fun is it?
It’s visually stunning and deeply cultural. Even if you don’t understand the story, you’ll be amazed by the performance.
🧘 Wellness, Self-Care & Slow Life
(For those who want relaxation + healing)
9. Experience a Traditional Balinese Massage
Bali is internationally famous for its spa culture.
What this experience is:
Many spas are built in open natural settings – near rivers, rice fields, or in the middle of jungles.
What you can do:
- Frangipani oil massage
- Jungle spa sessions
- Flower bath experiences
How fun is it?
Deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. It resets your body after long days of exploration.
10. Do Yoga in Ubud
Location: Ubud
Ubud is the spiritual capital of Bali.
What you can do:
- Join yoga classes
- Attend meditation retreats
- Explore sound healing sessions
How fun is it?
Peaceful and soul-refreshing. One of the most loved things to do in Ubud Bali.
📸 Instagrammable & Unique Experiences
(For creators, dreamers, and visual lovers)
11. Bali Swings & Flying Dress Photoshoots
Location: Tegallalang / Ubud area
What this is:
Giant swings built over jungle valleys and rice fields. Many places also offer professional photography and dress rentals.
What you can do:
- Swing over jungle valleys
- Rent flowing dresses
- Capture professional photos
How fun is it?
Exciting and visually dramatic. You feel like flying over Bali’s landscapes.
12. Treehouses & Jungle Stays
What these are:
Stays built on cliffs or inside forests with panoramic views.
What you can do:
- Stay overnight
- Watch sunrise over the ocean or jungle
- Experience slow living close to nature
How fun is it?
Magical and peaceful. Perfect for couples and solo travelers.
13. Floating Breakfast Experience
This is offered in private villas and luxury resorts.
What you can do:
You enjoy breakfast served on a floating tray in your private swimming pool while relaxing under the tropical sun.
How fun is it?
Feels like living a luxury tropical dream.
📍 Best Things To Do in Ubud Bali
(Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart)
14. Sacred Monkey Forest
A natural sanctuary filled with hundreds of monkeys and ancient temple ruins.
What you can do:
Walk through forest trails, explore moss-covered temples, and observe monkeys playing freely around you.
How fun is it?
Very fun, energetic, and slightly chaotic. Just be careful with your belongings.
15. Walk Along Campuhan Ridge
A peaceful green walking trail surrounded by hills and valleys.
What you can do:
Ideal for morning walks, jogging, or sunset strolls while enjoying panoramic views.
How fun is it?
Very calming and scenic a perfect break from tourist crowds
16. Explore Ubud Art Market
This is Ubud’s cultural shopping center.
What you can do:
You can buy handmade souvenirs, handmade bags, paintings, jewelry, and traditional Balinese crafts.
How fun is it?
Interactive and lively. Great place to connect with local culture through shopping.
17. Eat at Local Balinese Warungs
These are small family-run restaurants.
What you can do:
Taste authentic Balinese dishes like Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Balinese curries.
How fun is it?
Extremely authentic and affordable. You experience Bali as locals do.
Final Thought
Bali isn’t just a tourist destination.
It’s an experience that connects nature, culture, spirituality and adventure.
This guide covers the real best things to do in Bali Indonesia, including the most authentic things to do in Ubud Bali, so your trip becomes more than just a vacation it becomes a memory.
- Best Things to Do in Seminyak, Bali – Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
- First Time in Bali: The Ultimate Travel Guide, Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Where to Stay in Ubud: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget
- Things to See in Ubud, Bali: The Ultimate Sightseeing Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Uluwatu, Bali: Beaches, Cliffs & Epic Sunsets
